Blackened Chicken Alfredo Recipe

When comfort food meets bold flavor, you get Blackened Chicken Alfredo—a creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines tender fettuccine pasta with juicy blackened chicken breasts, all smothered in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce made from butter, Parmesan, and cream. The contrast between the spicy seasoning on the chicken and the creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering balance that’s indulgent without being overly complicated.

This dish is a wonderful upgrade to traditional Alfredo, bringing in layers of flavor through a quick blackening process using a hot skillet and a bold spice rub. Despite its restaurant-quality taste and appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to make in under an hour. You don’t need fancy tools or uncommon ingredients—just a few kitchen staples and the will to elevate your pasta game. Whether you’re serving it for a date night, a family dinner, or meal prep, Blackened Chicken Alfredo hits every note: creamy, spicy, cheesy, and comforting. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Big Flavor with Simple Ingredients – The blackened chicken brings spice and depth without a complicated spice mix.
2. Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress your guests or family with this creamy, rich, and flavorful pasta dish.
3. Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour with straightforward steps.
4. Creamy and Comforting – The Alfredo sauce is silky smooth, perfectly complementing the spicy chicken.
5. Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the blackening spices to match your preferred spice tolerance.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream (or evaporated milk with cornstarch)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

• Spicy Cream Sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Alfredo sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and nutrition.
• Different Protein: Try blackened shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
• Lighter Version: Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free fettuccine and make sure your broth and cornstarch are gluten-free as well.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with blackening spices (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper).

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from the pan and let rest.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk cornstarch into the heavy cream (or evaporated milk mixture) and add to the pan. Simmer until thickened.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Combine

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested blackened chicken and serve over the creamy fettuccine. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the chicken—use a thermometer and aim for 165°F internal temp.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water—it’s perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for a better sear and blackened crust.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot, directly from the pan or plated individually. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements it beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep pasta and sauce separate from chicken if possible for best texture.

Freezing

Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy, but you can freeze the blackened chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

1. What is blackened chicken?

It’s chicken coated in a bold spice blend and seared until dark and flavorful, usually in a hot skillet.

2. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix for a milder flavor.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients (broth, cornstarch) are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but it won’t have the same blackened flavor or texture unless reheated with seasoning in a skillet.

5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Evaporated milk with a little cornstarch thickens well and is a lighter alternative.

6. How do I know when the Alfredo sauce is thick enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon. Add pasta water if it becomes too thick.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

The chicken and sauce can be made ahead separately and combined just before serving.

8. What pasta shapes work besides fettuccine?

Penne, linguine, or tagliatelle all work well with Alfredo sauce.

9. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli are great additions.

10. How do I store leftover sauce?

Store it separately in the fridge in a sealed container and reheat gently, adding a splash of liquid to loosen.

Conclusion

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the perfect marriage of bold seasoning and creamy comfort, offering a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough for a weeknight. It brings together the richness of a homemade Alfredo sauce with the smoky, spicy bite of blackened chicken—all tied together with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is bound to impress and become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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